Setting Expectations

Are You Making The Right Impression In Your Work Clothes?

Anyone who meets the suit-and-tie banker will expect something a little different from who he is. I understand that the bank wants him to look professional and represent the bank, but if he wore a suit without a tie — or if he had a permanent five o’clock shadow (something he also commented on when I met him) — then in an instant people would know he’s not your average banker.

They would know, before they even meet him, that he’s probably a little more laid-back and a little more causal than the rest of his colleagues. They may even expect something a little different from his thinking. And anyone that likes the way he presents himself is likely to get along with him better simply because they knew what to expect. Always dressing and pretending to be what he’s not may actually do harm. People will meet him and only find out later that he's actually more laid-back than they expected. For some it may be a pleasant surprise. Others may not like it, having expected something quite different.

Like what you see?

Presenting ourselves as we are and giving clues about our personality based on how we dress is important. It allows others to know something about us before they meet us. Those who like what they see are more likely to be drawn to us. Those who don’t like what they see are more likely to stay away. And that’s a good thing. That’s the whole point of authenticity — to say and do the things we actually believe. And in this case, dress the way we are.

From now on, let’s all go to work and wear something that gives away something about who we are. Let’s tell the world something about us. It can be a total makeover or just a small detail. I know a female general in the Air Force who always makes a point to wear diamond earrings and perfume every day. It’s her little way of telling those around her that though she may wear camouflage to work, she does not blend in. What’s more, she is still a woman. I know a lawyer who always wears really bright, fun ties. It’s his way of telling us that he’s not the average lawyer. And it works. We don’t have to be aggressive in our presentations of ourselves — unless that’s your thing, of course. But we should try to be who we are at home, at work and everywhere in between.